FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:  Maureen Neville
215.997.9400
mneville@firstskinfoundation.org

National Non-Profit to Partner with Boston Celtics
Groups Join Together to Raise Awareness of Rare Skin Disorder

BOSTON, MA (November 20, 2013) – The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc. (FIRST) is planning an evening with the Boston Celtics that will allow FIRST members, family and friends to enjoy rooting for the Celtics and also raise funds and create awareness about ichthyosis, a family of genetic skin disorders characterized by dry, scaling skin that may be thickened or very thin.

FIRST began hosting professional sporting events in 2011, in conjunction with Ichthyosis Awareness Month held every year during May.  The events have been so successful they have expanded to include all four major sports and teams from across the country.

FIRST Night at the Celtics is this Friday, November 22, 2013.  The Celtics will tip off at 7:30 at TD Garden against the Indiana Pacers.  This evening is hosted by the Hamill and Hamelin families.  Both families have daughters affected with different types of ichthyosis.

According to FIRST, each year, more than 16,000 babies are born with some form of ichthyosis, of those, approximately 300 are born with a moderate to severe form.  This disease affects people of all ages, races and gender. The disease usually presents at birth, or within the first year, and continues to affect the patient throughout their lifetime.

“This type event provides our members the opportunity to go to a social and fun event in a safe environment,” said Jean Pickford, Executive Director at FIRST.  “It also helps educate the greater community about the disorder and bring greater awareness to ichthyosis.”

For more information about FIRST Night at the Celtics, visit FIRST’s website www.firstskinfoundation.org and click on the calendar of events under the News & Events tab.  For information about hosting an event in your area, please contact FIRST Development Coordinator, Christine Wassel at 215.997.9400 or via email at cwassel@firstskinfoundation.org.

Link to photos:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/104936986@N07/sets/72157637880072984/

About the Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc.^®
The Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types, Inc.^® (FIRST) is the only nonprofit foundation in the United States dedicated to families affected by the rare skin disorder ichthyosis.  Approximately 300 babies each year are born with a moderate to severe form of ichthyosis.  FIRST educates, inspires, and connects those touched by ichthyosis and related disorders through emotional support, information, advocacy and has supported more than $1.4 million in research funding for better treatments and eventual cures.  For more information, call toll-free at 1-800-545-3286 or visit www.firstskinfoundation.org.